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Ironman Italy Week 5

This week is a bit of a recovery/down week before getting into the really big stuff next week and onward. With Luca gone (he's down south for work), I don't have much for transportation so swim time will be limited.Monday, June 5, 2017 - set out on the bike this morning to somewhat make up for my migraine missed Saturday and Sunday ride. I spent the first 1:15 on flats with wind. Warmed up, I headed up to Montemarcello (I love that climb!!). Speeding down, Luca flew overhead, that was a sweet amazing moment! Back to the flats for some speed.
BIKE

Tuesday, June 6, 2017 - the goal was to take the early bus to the train to Pisa and explore today. But it's been storming all morning. Grr face. So, that's going to happen Thursday!! I jumped on the trainer for a 90min session instead.
BIKE

Wednesday, June 7, 2017 - down day for a Sarzana adventure! And honestly, I needed a down day. Tomorrow will be another. A bit of walking and lots of working in the afternoon through the evening.
REST and walk

Saturday, June 10, 2017 - and with my lovey back, we decided to make today a fun exploration day and headed north via train to Cinque Terre. So instead of a long run, we hiked. We explored 3 of the 5 cities for a total of only 4 miles but it took some serious time climbing 1,200 feet. And man was it hot!! But so beautiful and so worth it. A swim in the Mediterranean Sea finished our hike and we trained home.
HIKE

Sunday, June 11, 2017 - we set out on a bike journey today... 50 miles, 5,000 feet of climbing. The very first hill at 16% grade killed me and scared me. I literally had a nervous melt down at the top fearing the ride down. At 2.5 hours we had only 26 miles. Obviously I survived but we cut the ride in half and took home 2,500 feet of climbing instead. That's A LOT in 26 miles. Perhaps it was being coupled with the hiking, we were pooped and napped all afternoon. I swear we aren't lazy!!
BIKE

Once again, I'm not thrilled with my week. Training is easier here than in Sicily but it's not easy in general. I really miss that from the coast. If I missed or shortened training it was because I chose to. Here, it's just difficult. I'm so limited in my ability to get to the pool and their hours are 1030am-1230pm and 1900-2100. That's it. And the sea is great but swimming open water solo is always a bad idea. The bike, I'm either fighting traffic on the flats or climbing straight up a mountain and then a terrifying ride down. There's no in between. There are no long country stretches of rolling hills. (so far anyway). I need to ride with my new friend Emma and discover more biking grounds. I battle between 'I can make this happen' and 'maybe this area isn't for me'. I'm going to keep up my fight... Norway 70.3 is in 20 days and IM Netherlands is in 7 weeks. IM Italy is in 15... I got this.

I am your not so average 38 year old gal tri'ing and traveling my way through life. I am an Endurance Athlete, Ironman, Coach, Marketing Professional, Blogger, Adventurer, and Army Veteran. I race for Team Zoot and my team, Team TOA. Jake and I are currently bouncing around Italy!